Moving orchids to new house

[Traci]

If all goes well I will be moving my orchids to a new house 2 1/2 hours away. It’s an assortment of vandas, phals, paphs, oncidium, neos, Angraecum, and a lone Dracula. It’s aboit 60 orchids. I know the Dracula has to ride in the car but I don’t have a lot of space in the car by the time I put the dogs into it and our computers and Xbox. Would it be possible for the orchids to be okay in boxes in the moving van? Not air conditioned and the temps can get to 85 F (29.5 C). There won’t be sun in then as they will be in a truck. I could put ice packs with them if needed. Any ideas?

[Dorsetman]

i have moved my collection many times, it is always a worry. i suggest giving them a good soak the day before, so that they will be well drained before you load them, and the you should be ok. good luck with the move.

[Keysguy]

Geoff's advice is sound.
I loaded my collection including all of the benches and equipment into a rental truck and drove it from NH to the Keys a couple years ago.
It was late October and temps were supposed to be no lower than mid forties.
First overnight in VA and I wake up in the morning to 30 degrees. They were all fine. We tend to baby them but they are tougher than we give them credit for.

[JDT]

I would agree! Just pull those in the boxes out of the truck the first thing.

[Traci]

Thank you guys! I will definitely water them the day before and they will be the last item on the truck and the first item off. Leigh it’s funny we have actually had unexpected cold snaps in the beginning of May. I will just have to be ready for anything I guess.

[Eauchiche]

Hi Traci
Good luck with your move!!!
I wouldn't worry about heat packs this time of year. I cant imagine the move being too stressful on them; probably no worse than shipping orchids from a grower.
Of course, one has to learn how to grow them all over again in the new location.

[Traci]

Thank you. I am looking forward to the move amd will know in about a week if everyhthhg is a go for the move (still waiting on mold inspection). I will definitely have to learn how to regrow as I will be dependent on grow lights now instead of windowsill. The are will also be cooler as it will be in the dining room and not in the warmer sun room I have now.